Philip Pettit is an Irish philosopher and political theorist who defends a version of civic republicanism in political philosophy. His work explores the interconnectedness of various philosophical domains, demonstrating how insights from one discipline can offer solutions to problems in other, seemingly disparate areas. Pettit's ideas have influenced political reforms, and his extensive corpus is the subject of ongoing academic engagement.
"In this work, the prominent political philosopher Philip Pettit embarks on a massive undertaking to offers major new accounts of the foundations of the state and the nature of justice. In doing so Pettit builds a new theory of what the state is and what it ought to be, addresses the normative question of how justice serves as a measure of the success of a state, and the way it should operate in relation to its citizens and other people"--
To know the nature of any phenomenon or practice, it is often a good idea to learn about how it might have emerged or might have been constructed. The Birth of Ethics offers an account of how morality might have emerged, without any planning, in a society with language but without any properly ethical concepts or practices. The conjectural history that it documents serves a philosophical purpose, for it directs us the role that morality plays in human life and the nature of morality that enables it to play that role.
Exploring the interplay between moral psychology and human relationships, the author examines how attachments like love and virtues such as honesty necessitate specific behaviors regardless of circumstances. This innovative perspective sheds light on significant moral dilemmas, challenging conventional understandings and inviting readers to reconsider the foundations of ethical behavior in varied contexts.
Freedom, in Philip Pettit's provocative analysis, requires more than just being let alone. In Just Freedom, a succinct articulation of the republican philosophy for which he is renowned, Pettit builds a theory of universal freedom as nondomination. Seen through this lens, even societies that consider themselves free may find their political arrangements lacking. Do those arrangements protect people's liberties equally? Are they subject to the equally shared control of those they protect? Do they allow the different peoples of the world to live in equal freedom? With elegant, user-friendly tests of freedom--the eyeball test, the tough luck test, and the straight talk test--Pettit addresses these questions, laying out essential yardsticks for policymakers and concerned citizens alike. An invitation to join in a program that would better articulate and realize justice in our social, democratic, and international lives, Just Freedom offers readers an essential starting place for the world's thorniest problems.
Exploring the nature of collective entities, the authors present compelling arguments that challenge traditional views on accountability and agency. They delve into the behaviors of companies, churches, and states, positing that these organizations can function as genuine agents distinct from the individuals within them. Grounded in contemporary theories from social choice, economics, and philosophy, the book provides a thought-provoking analysis of group agency and its implications for understanding collective responsibility.
According to republican theory, we are free persons to the extent that we are protected and secured in the same fundamental choices, on the same public basis, as one another. But there is no public protection or security without a coercive state. Does this mean that any freedom we enjoy is a superficial good that presupposes a deeper, political form of subjection? Philip Pettit addresses this crucial question in On the People's Terms. He argues that state coercion will not involve individual subjection or domination insofar as we enjoy an equally shared form of control over those in power. This claim may seem utopian but it is supported by a realistic model of the institutions that might establish such democratic control. Beginning with a fresh articulation of republican ideas, Pettit develops a highly original account of the rationale of democracy, breathing new life into democratic theory.
The book explores key philosophical issues in social science, emphasizing cross-cultural understanding and the tension between humanism and scientism. It advocates for a cross-cultural view of humanity, supporting humanism and individualism while challenging the idea that values compromise social inquiry. Through this examination, the authors argue for the importance of evaluative commitments in shaping theoretical frameworks.
This book highlights Hobbes' contributions to language, reasoning, personhood, and group formation, arguing that he pioneered the thesis that language is a cultural innovation that transformed the human mind, overshadowed by his extreme political views.
Focusing on the psychology of esteem, this groundbreaking work re-evaluates classic theories to highlight their impact on the economy. The authors propose innovative approaches to reshape the economy of esteem, aiming to enhance social outcomes. By offering fresh perspectives on societal functioning, the book encourages readers to reconsider how economic and social systems can be improved for the benefit of all.
The collaborative work of Frank Jackson, Philip Pettit, and Michael Smith has significantly shaped contemporary philosophy, particularly in Australia. This collection features their influential essays on philosophical psychology, social explanation, and moral theory, offering insights into the interplay between mind and morality. The volume serves as a comprehensive showcase of their contributions, highlighting the depth and impact of their ideas in both moral psychology and broader philosophical discourse.